Dan Kelly for Massachusetts State Representative
2nd Essex District - 2026
I’ve spent an entire career as a lawyer serving my clients and volunteering for civic organizations as an advocate, problem solver, listener, and collaborator. As a husband, father, neighbor, and friend, I’m now running to represent the people of Ipswich, Topsfield, Rowley, Hamilton, Georgetown, and Newbury as your next state representative.
My pledge is to provide 24/7 service to all the people and do my part to end the divisiveness that now plagues our politics. It’s time to stop calling each other names and get to work.
My first priority is you. That’s why I pledge that if you call me or email me, I will get back to you within 24 hours if not sooner — seven days a week. It won’t be a staffer. It won’t be an autoresponder. It will be me.
Moreover, I will be in the district all the time. My office hours will be whenever you need me. And it starts now. Email me and try me out — see if I make my pledge.
24/7 Pledge
I’m fed up with the divisiveness and the inability of politicians to get along. I’m fed up with a one-party state that refuses to open its books despite a referendum supported by a huge majority of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. I’m fed up after hearing story after story of neighbors and friends whose parents or children can’t live here anymore because it’s just too expensive.
I have a wonderful life. I have a beautiful wife, Lori, who has stood by my side for over 40 years. I have three amazing children who have overcome obstacles, accomplished great things, and made me so proud.
I live in what I believe is the most glorious part of the country — a place defined by rich history, natural beauty, and the character of its people. I live in a house with a foundation dating back to 1634, right in the center of town. I can walk to get a cup of coffee, pick up the local paper, and find the best clams and lasagna in the state. I am part of two great faith communities — St. Rose of Lima in Topsfield and Our Lady of Hope in Ipswich — where I’ve been privileged to serve as a lector.
After 38 years of working my tail off in a rewarding law practice, I’ve earned the time to read, watch movies, and act in plays.
Are you fed up?
Why would I ever want to enter what many describe as the cesspool of a divisive, corrosive climate in Massachusetts politics? And as a Republican, no less?
So why?
Because I just couldn’t stand it anymore.
We have a State House controlled by a super-majority where two or three people make every decision. There is no transparency, zero accountability, and our six towns are paying the price.
I want to bring service, civility, and accountability back to the 2nd Essex. That is what this campaign is all about.
We are overtaxed and overregulated. Our young people and our seniors are being priced out of their own neighborhoods. The working people can’t afford to live here anymore. My own adult daughter and her husband — who have amazing careers — cannot find an affordable house to buy or an apartment to rent.
In 2022, Kristen Kassner won the seat by exactly one vote. One vote, in a contested recount that made national news. And since she’s been in office, what has she done aside from voting in lockstep for every tax increase and bad regulation handed down by the boys in the back room?
I decided to run because she is a no-show representative. You call her office and you get voicemail. You email and you get no response. Across this entire district, she offers just one hour of office hours per month in each of our towns. That’s it. And half the time it isn’t even her — it’s a staff member who can’t answer your questions.
We deserve better.
Dan hears from neighbors every day about
issues, events, and people he should meet.
If you've got an idea, he'd love to hear it directly.
(Yes, it will go directly to his email!)